STARTUP ESTONIA (84 images)

Estonia is arguably the most advanced country in the world when it comes to use of the Internet and related technologies. Estonia is a most improbable success, in that a mere quarter of a century ago it was still under domination of the Soviet Union as a very poor backwater on the Baltic Sea. Now it is a developed country and a member of both the EU and NATO.
Estonia is a Scandinavia country, Tallinn is only 43 miles from Helsinki, Finland, to which it is connected by a high- speed...more »

Estonia is arguably the most advanced country in the world when it comes to use of the Internet and related technologies. Estonia is a most improbable success, in that a mere quarter of a century ago it was still under domination of the Soviet Union as a very poor backwater on the Baltic Sea. Now it is a developed country and a member of both the EU and NATO.
Estonia is a Scandinavia country, Tallinn is only 43 miles from Helsinki, Finland, to which it is connected by a high- speed hydrofoil and other ships. \
The Estonians now have the rule of law, the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU, a balanced budget, free trade, and a flat-rate income tax — all of which have led to their high economic growth and prosperity.
To radically reduce corruption, the Estonians moved to e-government, whereby citizens could do most of their necessary business with government over the Internet, thus greatly reducing personal interaction between the assorted bad apples in government and the people — eliminating most bribery.
Estonia has also been a leader in Internet voting, taxpaying, banking, ticket services, drug prescriptions, schooling at all levels, etc. Using only their PC and ID card, Estonians can now do all of the necessary work to establish a new business in as few as 18 minutes
In late 2014, Estonia became the first country in the world to offer digital residency to non-Estonians living anywhere in the world. Non-residents can obtain an Estonian smart ID card which enables them to have access to many electronic services available to Estonian citizens, including the ability to create and operate an Estonian company.
But all in all, Estonia is a remarkable and improbable success. Here in their glorious and fully and beautifully restored “old town” which goes back to the Middle Ages, one can access the most comprehensive set of Internet services on the planet.« less